TOUGHER ROOF OR JUST GOOD ENOUGH? NEED HELP DECIDING
I’ve replaced a lot of “good enough” roofs that didn’t last half as long as folks hoped, especially after a couple Midwest hail seasons. Impact shingles do hold up better, but I’ll admit, sometimes the price tag makes people hesitate. I’ve seen standard shingles shredded after one bad storm, though. If you’re planning to stay put for a while, the tougher option usually pays off in less hassle and fewer repairs. Short term, it’s a tougher call. Insurance savings help, but don’t expect a huge drop—depends a lot on your provider.
Had the same debate last year when my old three-tab shingles started curling up like potato chips. I live smack in the middle of hail alley, so after patching things up twice in five years, I finally bit the bullet and went with impact-resistant shingles. Yeah, they cost more upfront, but I haven’t had to climb up there since—my neighbor’s “good enough” roof got trashed in the last storm and he’s already talking about replacing it again. If you’re planning to stick around, I’d say tougher is worth it. If you’re moving soon... maybe not.
That’s pretty much the same crossroads I was at a few years back. My old roof was “good enough” until a hailstorm rolled through and I ended up with leaks in the kitchen ceiling. I went with architectural shingles after that, not quite top-tier impact-rated but definitely tougher than the three-tabs. They’ve held up well so far, but now I’m wondering if I should’ve just gone all-in on the impact-resistant ones from the start.
If you’re planning to stick around, I’d say tougher is worth it. If you’re moving soon... maybe not.
Did your insurance give you any break on premiums for going with the tougher shingles? Mine hinted at it, but the paperwork was a headache. Curious if anyone actually saw savings or if it’s just talk.
